❓ A parliamentary question regarding the failed Balga Works program and potential reimbursement, met with a deflective and somewhat combative response from the Minister, highlighting internal issues within the opposition.
AnsweredQoN 196Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
BALGA WORKS PROGRAM
Before I ask my question, I welcome to the Parliament today the year 11 students from Rossmoyne Senior High School, one of the very best schools in Australia. I refer to the failed Balga Works program, and the minister’s answer to my question in this house on 4 April, in which he said, “I have considered reimbursement to the P & C from taxpayers.” (1) Why would the minister even consider reimbursement for a program that was not authorised by his department? (2) How much did the Department of Education and Training contribute to the unpaid wages of Balga Works employees from June last year? (3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN
Before I ask my question, I welcome to the Parliament today the year 11 students from Rossmoyne Senior High School, one of the very best schools in Australia. I refer to the failed Balga Works program, and the minister’s answer to my question in this house on 4 April, in which he said, “I have considered reimbursement to the P & C from taxpayers.” (1) Why would the minister even consider reimbursement for a program that was not authorised by his department? (2) How much did the Department of Education and Training contribute to the unpaid wages of Balga Works employees from June last year? (3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
I refer to the failed Balga Works program, and the minister’s answer to my question in this house on 4 April, in which he said, “I have considered reimbursement to the P & C from taxpayers.” (1) Why would the minister even consider reimbursement for a program that was not authorised by his department? (2) How much did the Department of Education and Training contribute to the unpaid wages of Balga Works employees from June last year? (3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(1) Why would the minister even consider reimbursement for a program that was not authorised by his department? (2) How much did the Department of Education and Training contribute to the unpaid wages of Balga Works employees from June last year? (3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(2) How much did the Department of Education and Training contribute to the unpaid wages of Balga Works employees from June last year? (3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
I refer to the failed Balga Works program, and the minister’s answer to my question in this house on 4 April, in which he said, “I have considered reimbursement to the P & C from taxpayers.” (1) Why would the minister even consider reimbursement for a program that was not authorised by his department? (2) How much did the Department of Education and Training contribute to the unpaid wages of Balga Works employees from June last year? (3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(1) Why would the minister even consider reimbursement for a program that was not authorised by his department? (2) How much did the Department of Education and Training contribute to the unpaid wages of Balga Works employees from June last year? (3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(2) How much did the Department of Education and Training contribute to the unpaid wages of Balga Works employees from June last year? (3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(3) Why did the payments suddenly stop? (4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(4) Will the minister immediately undertake to pay these outstanding wages to the dedicated employees who worked in the program; and, if not, why not? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Murdoch for the question. As I understand it, the member is asking me why we are not paying the wages of the staff. Is that correct? Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : I am asking you, first of all, why you considered reimbursement. Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I consider a lot of things. I consider things all the time. That does not mean I actually do them. Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : You are a very considerate person! Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I am very considerate! I think about all sorts of things! At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
At one point in time, I have considered something. Apparently, that is some sort of offence, according to the member for Murdoch. As far as I am aware, the P & C at that particular high school has not requested that the money be reimbursed. Furthermore, the department did not actually pay the Balga Works staff. There was a company in between - Hurson Pty Ltd - that was involved in that particular transaction, so it was not the department that was paying those employees. As I advised the member last time, this matter is subject to all sorts of investigation. It appears to me that the opposition is attempting to build this particular incident - in which a school engaged a particular body, the Balga Works program, to try to help the students at that school advance their lives - into some sort of massive issue. As far as I am aware, what happened was that a principal - bear in mind that this is subject to police investigation, and I do not want to prejudice anything - went beyond his authority in some of the things that he did. There are 800 schools, and 800 principals, in our public school system. On occasion, some of them will make the odd decision that is outside the boundaries of their jurisdiction. In this case, that is subject to investigation. It involves, I think, between $1 million and $2 million in overall terms, all matters included. However, I am at a bit of a loss about where the opposition is trying to go with this issue. It is trying to build it into some massive case, when a principal has apparently gone outside his authority. Is the opposition trying to allege that the then ministers were involved in some nefarious dealings to pay these people money that they were not entitled to? As far as I am aware, nothing nefarious has been done by any member of this government. A principal has gone beyond his authority. It is subject to investigation and it will be dealt with. The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
The member for Murdoch appears to be the opposition’s education spokesperson. Member for Mindarie, Hon Peter Collier has been trying to stir up this issue. Given the revelations that the member for Mindarie raised in this place about the means by which Hon Peter Collier secured his entry into Parliament, I find it absolutely amazing that Hon Peter Collier would raise any issue of probity in any forum. The member for Mindarie seems to be somewhat comatose at the moment. In ordinary circumstances, he has a lot to say on this particular issue. I am sure that he will at some point enlighten us about those events. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr J.R. Quigley : Fraudulent application forms to the Liberal Party. Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : What was that? Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr J.R. Quigley : They will not let him carry a pen into Mindarie in case he signs other people’s names! The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : I note that some people opposite nod their heads when I mention the allegations against Hon Peter Collier, and other people defend him, which might demonstrate the factional divide running through the Liberal Party. Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr E.S. Ripper : The member for Nedlands likes him. Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Nedlands likes him. Yes, I see that she is very exuberant in her defence of Hon Peter Collier! Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
Some people are trying to build the Balga Works issue into an incredibly big affair, but as far as I am aware, it is subject to investigation and I will let it run its course.
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